Court Grants N10bn Bail To Ex-Power Minister, Saleh Mamman Over Alleged N33bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, bail to the tune of N10 billion with two sureties in the like sum.

Saleh Mamman is facing 12 charges of money laundering involving N33 billion, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In his ruling on Friday, Justice James Omotosho granted Mamman N10bn Bail with two sureties who each have properties worth at least N750 million within the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the sureties must also provide their three-year tax clearance certificates, an affidavit of means, and certified copies of their bank statements with recent passport photos.

In the alternative, the court said the sureties can provide a bank guarantee or bond for N10 billion.

The judge further ordered that Mamman must surrender his international passport to the court, and the Registrar must verify all documents before he can be released.

Justice Omotosho also held that until all bail conditions are met, Mamman will remain in custody.

The court scheduled the next hearing for September 25, 2024.

Mamman, who was arrested in 2021 and removed from office about four months later, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His lawyer, Femi Ate (SAN), said that a bail application was filed but not yet in the court file, leading to Mamman’s temporary remand.

Mamman’s bail request was based on constitutional and criminal justice provisions, arguing that he had complied with administrative bail conditions for over two years and pledging to attend all trial sessions and not interfere with witnesses.

The EFCC did not oppose the bail but requested strict conditions to ensure Mamman’s attendance at trial.

The EFCC alleged that Mamman and ministry staff diverted N22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to acquire properties both in and outside the country.

Saleh Mamman had on Thursday, slumped outside the courtroom.

KanyiDaily recalls that Saleh Mamman had previously denied collapsing after former President Muhammadu Buhari sacked him from his position in 2021.